The document explains infinitives, which are verb forms preceded by 'to' that function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. It details how to identify and utilize infinitive phrases, which consist of an infinitive and its complements or modifiers, and provides examples of each usage. Additionally, it outlines distinctions between infinitives serving as direct objects and adverbs, along with practice exercises for application.

1. Verbals: Infinitives
p. 76

2. Infinitives
verbals that act like adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.

3. Infinitives
▪ An infinitive is a verb form, preceded by to,
that can be used as a noun, adjective, or
adverb.
▪ Examples
■ We want to go.
■ To sleep is the only thing I want to do.
▪ CAUTION!
▪ To + verb = infinitive
■ To skip, to take, to want
▪ To + noun/pronoun (without a verb) = preposition
■ To the store

4. Infinitives
verbals that act like adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Infinitives
Verb form preceded by to
that acts as adverb, adj.,
or noun.
To + verb = infinitive
To + noun/pronoun = prep

5. Infinitive Phrases
▪ An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive
together with its complements and
modifiers.
▪ We intended to leave early.
▪ Josh agreed to bring me some food.
▪ How do you locate the rest of the infinitive
phrase?
▪ #1: Ask what/where after the infinitive to locate
the rest of the phrase.
▪ #2: The infinitive phrase will end at the next
punctuation mark or main verb.

6. Caution: Infinitive Phrases
▪ An infinitive can include other phrases
▪ prepositional phrases
▪ participial phrases
▪ gerund phrases
▪ Examples
▪ To be objective in my decision is hard.
▪ The foundation sponsors clinics to help
children with golf.
▪ To make a living as a golfer is no easy
task.

7. Infinitives
verbals that act like adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Infinitives
Verb form preceded by to
that acts as adverb, adj.,
or noun.
To + verb = infinitive
To + noun/pronoun = prep
Infinitive Phrase
Consists of an infinitive
and its complements and
modifiers.
Infinitive phrases usually
end at next punctuation
mark or main verb.
Ask What/Where? to
locate rest of infinitive
Tips

8. Infinitives as Nouns
▪ Nouns: can’t be taken out of the
sentence (won’t make sense).
▪ Infinitives used as nouns
○ To love is to care.
○ To proofread your writing carefully is
important.

9. Infinitives
verbals that act like adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Infinitives
Verb form preceded by to
that acts as adverb, adj.,
or noun.
To + verb = infinitive
To + noun/pronoun = prep
Infinitive Phrase
Consists of an infinitive
and its complements and
modifiers.
Tips
Infinitive as Noun
Can NOT be removed
(sentence won’t make
sense).
Infinitives…
Infinitive phrases usually
end at next punctuation
mark or main verb.
Ask What/Where? to
locate rest of infinitive

10. Infinitives as Adjectives
▪ Adjective: can be taken out of the
sentence, but can’t be moved; describes
nouns and pronouns (tells which
kind/which one)
▪ Infinitives used as adjectives
○ The place to visit is Williamsburg.
○ She is the player to watch in the next game.

11. Infinitives
verbals that act like adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Infinitives
Verb form preceded by to
that acts as adverb, adj.,
or noun.
To + verb = infinitive
To + noun/pronoun = prep
Infinitive Phrase
Consists of an infinitive
and its complements and
modifiers.
Tips
Infinitive as Noun Infinitive as Adjective
Can NOT be removed
(sentence won’t make
sense).
Can be removed, but not
moved. Describes
noun/pronoun (tells which
kind/which one).
Infinitives…
Infinitive phrases usually
end at next punctuation
mark or main verb.
Ask What/Where? to
locate rest of infinitive

12. Infinitives as Adverbs
Adverb: can be taken out and can be
moved; tells how, when, where, why.
▪ Infinitives used as adverbs
▪ The inspector came to check the dam for
leaks.
▪ The new soldiers were ready to listen and
obey.

13. Infinitives
verbals that act like adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Infinitives
Verb form preceded by to
that acts as adverb, adj.,
or noun.
To + verb = infinitive
To + noun/pronoun = prep
Infinitive Phrase
Consists of an infinitive
and its complements and
modifiers.
Tips
Infinitive as Noun Infinitive as Adjective
Can NOT be removed
(sentence won’t make
sense).
Can be removed, but not
moved. Describes
noun/pronoun (tells which
kind/which one).
Infinitives…
Can be removed and
moved in sentence. Tells
how, when, where, why.
Infinitive as Adverb
Infinitive phrases usually
end at next punctuation
mark or main verb.
Ask What/Where? to
locate rest of infinitive

14. Direct Object or Adverb?
Determining whether an infinitive functions as
an adverb or direct object (noun) can be tricky.
▪ Objects answer who/what?
▪ Adverbs tell how, when, where, why
Examples
Which infinitives answer What? Which answers
How/Why?
▪ We decided to work hard.
▪ Paul arrived in New York to study.

15. Sentence Combining
Directions: Combine the following
sentences by forming an infinitive phrase.
1. I have hired a private tutor. He will teach me
English.
2. Every citizen should do his or her duty. Our
country expects this.
3. My mother was very much delighted. She heard
about my brother’s safe return.
4. The tea is too hot. I can not drink it.

16. Practice & Apply p. 77
Exercise A # 1-5
Directions: Identify each infinitive or infinitive phrase.
1. It is a shame that so few sports stars are willing to
help people in need.
2. To give something back to society is important to
Tiger Woods.
3. Woods was the first person of African-American
descent to win a major tournament in men’s
professional golf.
4. To overcome golf’s history of discrimination was no
easy task.
5. Woods is determined to help other persons of color
become golf stars.